Foreign nationals stuck in the Philippines due to the ongoing Middle East conflict have been given more time to remain in the country without facing legal penalties, after Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida signed a new directive pushing the deadline from April 1 to May 1.
The extension comes under Department Order No. 159, which shields eligible visitors from overstaying fines, motion for extension fees, and other administrative charges — provided their visas expired on or after February 28. The relief is specifically limited to those stranded by mass flight cancellations and airspace closures tied to the Iran conflict and wider hostilities in the region.
“We did this for humanitarian reasons and the premise of compassion so that their stay would no longer be a worry,” Vida said.
The Bureau of Immigration has been directed to process these cases with as little bureaucratic friction as possible, according to Vida, who said he hoped the regional situation would stabilize before the new cutoff arrives.
“We also pray that hopefully before the expiry of May 1, the issues have already been resolved,” he added.
The Department of Justice framed the move as a response to circumstances entirely outside the control of the affected travelers. Vida acknowledged that a number of visitors continue to face practical obstacles to returning home despite the original deadline having already passed.
“We extended the visa relief … There are still some visiting foreigners who have difficulty returning because of various constraints. So based on the order I signed yesterday, we are extending the [April 1 deadline] to May 1,” he said.
The order does not apply broadly to all overstaying foreigners — only those whose inability to depart is directly attributable to the disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict qualify for the exemption from penalties.
